“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
— Colossians 3:23 (NIV)

Why I’m Here (Even Though I Hate Social Media)

Let’s be real—I didn’t want to be a YouTuber. But when Jesus puts a message on your heart (in my case, a radical third way to overcome addiction), you do what you gotta do.

So after 12 years off-grid, I dove into YouTube headfirst. And after countless fails, I’ve nailed down the four cornerstones that actually matter for new creators:

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1. Style: Steal Like an Artist

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel—study the best and adapt their strengths. Here’s who I learned from:

• Legion of Men: Raw, no-BS delivery.
• Asmongold: Unfiltered authenticity (even when ranting).
• Meet Kevin/Gregory Mannarino: Data-driven but passionate.
• Canadian Prepper: High-stakes storytelling.

What Not to Do:

• The “yoga pants sandwich-making” trend or the “wearing a skirt golfing in slow motion” trend, (yes, it’s a thing). Millions of followers, zero substance. Hard pass.

My Takeaway:
Find your authentic voice—not an algorithm-chasing gimmick.

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2. Apps: The Subscription Trap

YouTube lures you in as a “free platform,” but the tools to compete aren’t free:

• Canva (thumbnails)
• CapCut (editing)
• LTX Studio (AI tools)
• YouTube Studio (analytics)

Prepare to invest—but start small. You don’t need everything at once.

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3. Equipment: No, Your Phone Isn’t Enough

• Stabilization: A gimbal/walkie stick is non-negotiable (shaky footage = instant scroll).
• Audio: A $50 lavalier mic beats built-in mic hiss.
• Editing Rig: Don’t cheap out—4K video will murder an old laptop.

Pro Tip: Buy used gear first. Upgrade after you’re monetized.

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4. Substance: The Only Thing That Lasts

All the fancy gear means nothing without a message worth sharing. For me, that’s:

• “Grateful Truce”: My book on moderation, faith, and the failures of AA/rehab.
• The Truth About Addiction: Why 90% of interventions fail—and what actually works.
• Jesus Over Willpower: Why surrender beats white-knuckling sobriety.

“The truth will set you free.”
— John 8:32 (NIV)

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Why I’m Doing This (Despite Hating Social Media)

I’d rather be gardening or writing in peace—but this message has to get out. If you’re struggling with addiction, there’s hope beyond the binary.

Watch my video. Like, subscribe, comment. Not for me—for the one person who needs to hear this today.

— Chris
(Author, “Grateful Truce”)

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P.S.

New YouTubers: What’s your #1 struggle? Comment below—let’s trade hard-earned tips.

Recovery Warriors: If this resonated, share it with someone stuck in the AA-or-relapse trap.